Word Origin & History

Mr. 1447, abbreviation of master (q.v.). Used from 1814 with a following noun or adj., to denote "the exemplar or embodiment of that quality" (e.g. Mr. Right, 1922, first in James Joyce; Mr. Fix-It, 1925, first in Ring Lardner; Mr. Big, 1940, first in Groucho Marx). The pl. Messrs. (1779) is an abbreviation of Fr. messieurs, pl. of monsieur, used in Eng. to supply the pl. of Mr., which is lacking.

Example Sentences for mr.

Mr. Milbrey glanced at the two shells of the orange which the butler was then removing.

Now, Mr. Bines, I like him and I dare say you've done the best thing for him, unusual as it was.

You may have noticed that night at the Oldakers'—well, women, Mr. Bines, are uncertain.

Mr. Paine did not admire Mrs. Davis, and was not likely to be influenced by her prejudices.

Not only that, but he would get into trouble with Mr. Paine on account of the damage which it had received.

“He shall see me when it suiteth me,” said Mr. Headley coolly.

"I don't see why Robert hasn't been and let me know of this," said Mr. Paine, musing.

"We'd better go to the railroad depot, Mr. Dunham," he said.

This business attended to, Robert bent his steps to Mr. Paine's office.

Mr. Paine looked up as he entered, and had no difficulty in guessing his errand.